Communication 271 - Humor in Society

This course examines humor as a significant form of creative expression in social and political life, especially as it negotiates issues of race, gender, class, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. This course also introduces students to the burgeoning field of humor studies. Topics include the different theories of humor, the relationship between humor and creativity, the political use of humor, the role of humor in maintaining personal and social identity, and the social aspects of laughter. Although the focus lies on contemporary humor in U.S. American society and media, the course also examines different cultural perspectives on the humorous. (GenEd SB, U)

This course was formerly numbered COMM 297C. If you have already taken COMM 297C you cannot take this course.